Have you ever felt spaced out and unfocused over extended periods of time? Believe it or not, this is actually fairly common. It is something referred to as ‘brain fog’. It can be caused by many different things but it is often associated with hypothyroidism. In this article, we will go over what brain fog is and how it can develop.
What is Brain Fog?
Another symptom commonly described in connection with hypothyroidism is “brain fog.” While this is not a medical term, per se, it has become a well-recognized description of a group of cognitive symptoms that are often used by patients and doctors alike. Brain fog may involve:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Short-term and long-term memory problems
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of focus
- Feeling “spaced out”
- Confusion
- Difficulty thinking clearly
The reason brain fog may occur in hypothyroidism is because your brain requires sufficient levels of thyroid hormone in order to function properly.
What Can Cause Brain Fog
Hypothyroidism is one of the leading causes of brain fog. However, there are several different things that can cause brain fog. Understanding what the cause may be can help you eliminate brain fog, increasing your focus and memory. Here are some of the things that can lead to brain fog:
- Stress – Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger depression. It can also cause mental fatigue. When your brain is exhausted, it becomes harder to think, reason, and focus
- Little sleep – Sleeping too little can lead to poor concentration and cloudy thoughts
- Hormonal changes – Hormonal changes can also trigger brain fog. Levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy. This change can affect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment
- Diet – Eating processed food and other junk food can lead to vitamin B-12 deficiency which can cause brain fog
- Medications – If you notice brain fog while taking medication, talk with your doctor. Brain fog may be a known side effect of the drug. Lowering your dosage or switching to another drug may improve your symptoms
- Medical conditions – Medical conditions associated with inflammation, fatigue, or changes in blood glucose level can also cause mental fatigue. For example, brain fog is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, which involves persistent fatigue for longer than six months
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If you are struggling with brain fog, mental fatigue or something else, then please reach out to us. To learn more about our services please call. We look forward to hearing from you.
